PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Understanding the damaging effects of light pollution on nocturnal animals is a long-standing problem in conservation. Artificial light at night (ALAN) can draw individuals from long distances, whilst repelling others, affecting many activities (foraging, reproductive behaviour and daily, monthly or annual movements). Identified as an important driver of environmental change in the 21st century, ALAN is an underestimated threat for species and ecosystems and may exacerbate already precarious conditions for endangered species. This threat induces a physiological and behavioural change in animals, as well as mass mortality episodes for certain species. Studies indicate that 50% of Procellariform species (albatrosses, petrels, storm petrels, and shearwaters) are affected by ALAN and up to 14% of the grounded seabirds die (approx. 1 100 birds/year in Macaronesia).
OBJECTIVES
The LIFE Natura@night project aims to intervene on public illumination systems to benefit wildlife in three different archipelagos (Madeira, Azores, and the Canary Islands). Using seabirds as flagship species, and integrating other groups such as bats and nocturnal insects, guarantees an ecosystem-based approach. The project team will apply the best available knowledge to mitigate artificial light at night (ALAN) impacts on endangered fauna in Macaronesia. The project intends to undertake a crucial step to achieve sustainability through the implementation of a biodiversity-friendly lighting system, and a definition of a legal framework that benefits biodiversity and local communities.
The project contributes to the implementation of the following EU policies: Marine Strategy Framework Directive; Habitats Directive (species listed in Annex IV); Birds Directive (species listed in Annex I); EUROBATS Convention; Biodiversity Strategy for 2020 (protection of species of seabirds, bats and invertebrates) and 2030 targets to minimise light pollution as a driver of biodiversity loss; EU Action Plan for Nature, People and the Economy (e.g. through citizen science/community engagement); the European Green Deal; EU Pollinators Initiative; energy efficiency targets; and the EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change.
RESULTS
Expected results:
- Updated information about abundance and distribution of 10 species of seabirds, 9 bat species, and more than 150 species of nocturnal Lepidoptera in 22 Natura 2000 sites (Madeira, Azores, and the Canary Islands);
- Maps of light pollution for 22 Natura 2000 sites in Macaronesia;
- Evaluation of artificial light at night (ALAN) impacts on seabirds, bats and nocturnal insects in Natura 2000 sites, and definition of protocols for effective monitoring;
- Monitoring impacts of ALAN on seabird fledging and colony attendance for 2 species in Madeira and Azores;
- Reduction of ALAN in 2 municipalities, decreasing current energy consumption up to 77% (200 000 kWh/year);
- Removal of 437 luminaires (complete lighting units) from sensitive areas and the implementation of a remote management system to monitor public lighting in Madeira;
- Besides 2 pilot municipalities, 6 areas also with a biodiversity-friendly lighting system and a municipal plan (MPPL);
- Development of pilot solutions for 2 fishing boats to decrease impact on seabirds (reducing their attraction) and raised awareness in fisherman to reduce illegal capture facilitated by ALAN;
- Reduction on 50% seabird fallouts in municipalities with MPPL;
- Decrease of seabird light-induced mortality by at least 50%, by increasing volunteers’ participation in systematic rescue campaigns by 50%;
- Quantification of the effect of changed lighting on bat diversity, quantity and feeding levels;
- Quantification of the effect of changed lighting on nocturnal insects’ diversity and quantity;
- At least 400 enquires in each archipelago to evaluate general population awareness on ALAN impact;
- Improved ALAN biodiversity impact knowledge of local population, by developing 100 awareness actions in each archipelago;
- Light pollution educational programme targeting 10 000 students in Macaronesia;
- Knowledge acquired by technicians and volunteers of the participating municipalities and improved skills in handling and basic treatment of grounded seabirds;
- Annual meeting of Light Pollution Working Group.
